attempt

²attempt

noun

Definition of ATTEMPT

1

a : the act or an instance of attempting; especially : an unsuccessful effort b : something resulting from or representing an attempt <surrounded by … a few attempts at rose bushes — Marian Engel>

2

: attack, assault <an attempt on the life of the president>

Examples of ATTEMPT

1. She failed her driving test on the first attempt but she succeeded on her second attempt.
2. Her attempt at a home-cooked meal consisted of frozen fish sticks and a can of soup.

First Known Use of ATTEMPT

1534

Related to ATTEMPT

Synonyms: assay [archaic], bash [chiefly British], bid, crack, endeavor, essay, fling, go, offer, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack, whirl

Related Words: striving, struggle, throes, undertaking; trial and error

Near Antonyms: defense, defensive, guard, shield; opposition, resistance; protection, security, shelter

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Rhymes with ATTEMPT

exempt